Garter waist



-Oct. 6, 1942, T, G. OTTE ETA 2,298,245

v GARTER wAIsT Filed June 25, 1940 INVENTORS 1 43. 5 THO/M GAONVOLD Parry? GUN/171.0 S. FZATEN BY E %;TORNEY Patented Oct. 6, 1942 G B- IST Thora Gronvold Potter and Gunhild S. Flaten,

Seattle, Wash; said Potter assignor to said Flaten Application June 25, 1940, Serial N 0. 342,262

4 Claims.

This invention relates to garter waists of a type particularly adapted to be worn by women as a maternity garment during the ante natal period and the present invention is in the nature of an improvement on the garter waist disclosed in the prior patent of Thora G Potter, No. 2,078,- 972, issued May 4, 1937.

During the ante natal period it is very desirable to avoid pressure on the abdomen, to as great an extent as possible. It is also very desirable to avoid pressure on the breasts and chafing of the breasts. Ordinary garter belts which derive their support from the waist have been found to be unsatisfactory because of the pressure required on and around the abdomen to keep them from slipping down. Ordinary shoulder straps on garter belts are undesirable because they extend upwardly over the breasts and tend to chafe the breasts and exert pressure thereon.

It is an object of this invention to provide a garter waist by which the pull required to support the stockings is carried from the shoulders by shoulder straps that extend from the shoulders convergently downward between the breasts and across the chest, whereby substantially all contact between the shoulder straps and the breasts is avoided and to provide, at the location of the abdomen, an abdominal apron portion connected with the shoulder straps and adapted to distrib-.-

ute and render harmless such abdominal pressure as can not be avoided, i. e,, as distinguished from having the pressure on the abdomen localized, the object of the invention is to minimize the pressure per unit area to such an extent that the objectionable effect of pressure is substantially eliminated as respects the abdomen, while at the same time pressure is entirely eliminated as respects the breasts.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a garter waist of this type that will allow the wearer complete freedom of movement, that will not bind on any part of the body and that will tend to cause the wearer to maintain a correct posture with the shoulders erect.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a garter waist having two supports for each stocking, positioned at the front and back of the body respectively, the front support acting on a line that extends diagonally across the front of the body from a stocking to the diagonally opposite shoulder and the back support extending substantially lengthwise of the body from the Outer rear t o of th s ockin to. the shou1-. der on the same side.

The above mentioned general objects of our invention, together with others inherent in the same, are-attained by the device illustrated in the followingdrawing; the same being preferred exemplary forms of embodiment of our invention, throughout which drawing like reference numerals indicate parts:

Figure 1 is a front elevation of a garter waist embodying this invention as the same may appear when it is spread out in a fiat position;

Fig. 2 is a rear elevation of the same as it may appear when spread out in a flat position;

Fig, 3 is a front view showing this garter waist as it may appear when worn by a person, parts of the outline of the person being shown by broken lines;

Fig. 4 is a rear view similar to Fig. 3, showing this garter waist on a person, parts of the outline of the person being shown by broken lines;

Fig. 5 is an inside view of the front portion of the garter waist with parts broken away;

Fig. 6 is an inside view of the rear portion of the garter waist with parts broken away; Fig. 7 is a front view of a two-piece garment front in which the apron members thereof have been made longer so that the lines along which the tension or pull of the shoulder straps is exerted will cross each other below the upper ends of said apron members; and

Fig. 8 is a view of a modified form of garment front or abdominal apron that may be used in this garment.

The front portion of this garter waist is in the form of an abdominal apron comprising two partially overlapping pieces l0 and II of trapezium shape, each having four non-parallel sides I2, I3, [4 and [5. The two pieces 10 and H are preferably formed of firm weave fabric, such as broadcloth. The two pieces IE! and H are of the same size and shape and are both wider at the bottom than at the top. These two pieces H] and II are positioned in overlapping relation with their wider bottom edges [4 coinciding and are sewed together along their bottom edges and may be reinforced along said bottom edges by a facing strip I6, Fig. 5 but are not otherwise stitched together. Said two front pieces it! and l! constitute an abdominal apron with a substantially horizontal bottom edge It, two upright side edges l3 that are inclined outwardly from bottom to top and two top edges i2 that are inclined upwardly from the sides toward the center and that preferably terminate short of their po t f n er ectio as ow e i e ed e 15 of eac pi c n H is ncli d an The uppermost corner portions of the two front 3 pieces I0 and II are connected with two, preferably elastic, shoulder straps l9 and that extend upwardly across the chest and over the shoulders of the wearer, when the garment is in use, and that are secured to the upper end portions of back pieces hereinafter described. When the garment is on a person, the shoulder straps l9 and 2|! extend from the shoulders convergently downward and preferably cross each other in substantially the medial plane of the users body and at a short distance above the upper extremities of the front pieces l0 and II. Also said shoulder straps respectively pass over the shoulders at opposite sides of the body from the front pieces with which they are connected. Thus the shoulder strap l9 passing over the right shoulder is connected with the front piece II at the left hand side of the body and the shoulder strap 20 passing over the left shoulder is connected with the front piece ID at the right hand side of the body. This positions the shoulder straps substantially in the medial plane of the body at the locations where they pass between the breasts of the user, thus avoiding undesirable pressure on the breasts and chafing of the breasts.

The back portion of the garment is formed of two pieces of cloth 2| and 22 of generally triangular shape having narrow upper end portions connected with the respective shoulder straps l9 and 20. Each triangular back piece 2| and 22 has a longer outer edge portion 23 forming the base of the triangle and extending upwardly along the back adjacent the sides of the wearer and has two inclined inner edge portions 24 and 25 that intersect at substantially the waistline of the wearer. A transverse elastic strap 26 connects the two back pieces 2| and 22 at the location of the waistline. Another transverse strap 21, preferably non-elastic, connects the two back pieces 2| and 22 at a location about half-way between the elastic strap 26 and the upper end portions of said back pieces. The cross strap 21 helps to hold the shoulder straps l9 and 2|] in correct position on the shoulders of the wearer. An elastic garter support 28, having a conventional garter clasp 29 thereon, is secured to the lower end portion of each back piece 2| and 22.

Belt means, that can be readily fastened and unfastened, is provided at the waistline of the garment. This belt means preferably comprises a non-elastic strap 30 extending transversely across the inner sides of the front pieces Ill and II, as best shown in Fig. 5, and secured to the outermost upper corner portions of said front pieces by stitching 3|, said strap 30 being otherwise free and loose as respects the front pieces l0 and II. Two buckle members 32 of conventional form are secured to the respective end portions of the strap 30 at the sides of the front members HI and II. Two other straps 33 are secured to the back pieces 2| and 22 and are 7 adapted to be passed around the sides of the user and removably engaged within the buckles 32. Preferably each strap member 33 extends across the widest portion of the back member 2| or 22 with which it is connected and is stitched to the respective edge portions only of its back member by stitching 34. This connects the strap members 33 with the respective end portions of the elastic strap 26, thus making the elastic strap 26 a part of the belt.

Preferably the portions of the back members 2| and 22 below the belt, see Fig. 6, are made of double thickness to provide greater strength. This is done by folding over portions 35 of the cloth along the edges 24 and sewing these folded over portions 35 under the hem formed along the opposite edges 23. The top line of these folded over portions 35 is indicated by line 36 in Fig. 6.

In Fig. 7 all parts correspond to those shown in the preceding figures and are similarly numbered. In this figure, however, the abdominal apron members l0 and H are made longer and the shoulder straps 20 and I9 shorter than in the preceding figures so that apron members Ill and II connect with shoulder straps 20 and I9 respectively above the location where the lines of pull on the shoulder straps cross each other. The operation of the device shown in Fig. '7 is the same as the operation of the device of the preceding figures.

The weave of the cloth in the back members 2| and 22 is such that the threads run in the direction of the cross lines in the drawing. This shows that edge portions 25 are cut substantially on the line of one set of threads or on the straight of the goods, edge portions 23 are on a slight bias while edge portions 24 are On a substantial bias. This leaves the edge portions 24 somewhat elastic, which is desirable to provide freedom of movement and to prevent undue binding when the lower end portions of the back members are drawn around toward the outside of the leg to allow fastening of the clasps 29 toward the outer sides of the stockings, as shown in Fig. 4. At the same time it provides that the pull on these back members shall be taken substantially on the straight of the goods.

The weave of the cloth in the front members l0 and II is such that the threads run in the directions shown by the crossed shade lines on the drawing. This provides one set of threads that are parallel to the edges I3 and leaves all threads somewhat diagonal or on a bias as respects all 'of the other edges of said pieces. Particularly are these threads on a bias as respects the diagonals extending from the upper corner portions to which shoulder straps are secured to the diagonally opposite lower corner portion thereof. It is along these diagonals that most of the pull required to support the stockings of the user is exerted. Positioning the cloth of pieces I0 and H so that the pull is on the bias of the goods provides great resiliency in the portions of the apron parts I0 and II where the principal lines of pull occur, thus evenly distributing all pressure and preventing localized pressure on any particular part of the abdomen. The belt means is ordinarily loosely fastened so {here is no binding or pressure produced there- In the use of our device the pull necessary to support the stockings is all carried from the shoulders and each stocking is supported partially from the shoulder on the same side of the body and partially from the shoulder on the opmember 2| and 22 is transmitted from'the supporter 23 at the side of stocking upwardly to the shoulder on the same side of the body, while the pull of the supporter at the front of each stocking is transmitted through one of the abdominal apron members to the elastic shoulder strap that passes over the shoulder on the opposite side of the body. This supports each stocking partly from one shoulder and'partly from the other, thereby providing an exceedingly flexible garment that does not bind and does not hamper the movement of the user in any way. The shoulder straps l9 and 20 converge from the shoulders downwardly to a point below the breasts and thereby avoid'substantially all pressure on the breasts. The abdominal apron members I and II distribute abdominal pressure so as to eliminate all undesirable efiect thereof. 7

The garment is especially well adapted to maternity use, where garter belts that fit tightly around the abdomen and are supported from the waist are uncomfortable and undesirable.

Fig. 8 shows an abdominal apron 31 made of a single piece of material and adapted to be used in place of the two abdominal apron members II] and I I. The shoulder straps l9 and 29 are secured to the upper edge portion of the abdominal apron 31 and cross each other above said apron 31 in the same manner as the shoulder straps of Figs. 1 to 4. Some of the advantages of this invention are attained by the use of this single piece abdominal apron, but it does not provide as much flexibility or as good a distribution of abdominal pressure as the aprons of the preceding figures.

In the various forms of this invention the pull or supporting strain from straps l9 and 20 is in the direction of the bias of the cloth of the front members I!) and II or of the front member 31 to provide for the utilization of the resiliency of the material and to obtain comfort to the wearer. It is important to note that we have provided constructions in which there are no stitchings or hems on such front members to lessen or counteract the resiliency thus obtained. Further it is important to note that, while the edges of the front members I!) and II and the front member 3'! have all been hemmed or stitched at the edges to provide for long life, such stitchings and hems do not interfere with or minimize the elasticity obtained as above indicated.

In the various figures, let it be noted that the threads of the cloth run in the direction of the cross shade lines in the drawings. To obtain the maximum advantages of the invention, the threads of the cloth should be as above indicated so as to provide a pull on the true bias of the cloth, although a pull on a partial bias will secure proportional desired results.

Obviously, changes may be made in the forms, dimensions, and arrangement of the parts of our invention, without departing from the principle thereof, the above setting forth only preferred forms of embodiment.

We claim:

1. In a garter waist, a back portion; stocking supporting members connected with the lower part of said back portion; a front portion comprising overlapped abdominal apron members of trapezium shape having transverse bottom edge portions that are secured together and having substantially upright outer side edge portions adapted when worn to terminate substantially at the waist-line of the wearer and having inwardly and upwardly extending top edge portions that are shorter than the bottom edge portions and having inner edge portions adapted when worn to extend diagonally across the abdomen of the wearer from the top edge portions to the bottom edge portions; spaced apart stocking supporting members connected with the said apron members at the outer bottom edge portions thereof; and shoulder straps connected with said back portion and adapted when worn to extend over the shoulders and downwardly in converging relation between the breasts of the wearer and secured to the innermost upper corners of said two abdominal apron members, whereby each abdominal apron member and the shoulder strap connected therewith are adapted when worn to transmit strain from a front stocking supporting member to the diagonally opposite shoulder along a line passing between the breasts.

2. In a garter waist, a back portion; stocking supporting members connected with the lower part of said back portion; a front portion comprising two woven fabric overlapped abdominal spron members of trapezium shape having transverse bottom edge portions that are secured together and having substantially upright outer side edge portions adapted when worn to terminate substantially at the waistline of the wearer and having inwardly and upwardly extending top edge portions that are shorter than the bottom edge portions and having inner edge portions adapted when worn to extend diagonally across the abdomen of the wearer from the top edge portions to the bottom edge portions; spaced apart stocking supporting members connected with the said apron members at the outer bottom edge portions thereof; and shoulder straps connected with said back portion and adapted when worn to extend over the shoulders and downwardly in converging relation between the breasts of the wearer and secured to the innermost upper corners of said two abdominal apron members, the woven fabric of each of said abdominal apron members being arranged so that theline of pull between the shoulder strap and the diagonally opposite stocking supporting member is on the bias of the fabric, whereby great elasticity is provided in the tensioned portions of the abdominal apron members and pressures evenly distributed over the abdomen.

3. In a garter waist, a back portion comprising two spaced apart substantially triangular back members adapted when worn to extend downwardly from adjacent the shoulders to a location below the waist; transverse strap members connecting said two back members together; stocking supporting members connected with the lower end portions of said back members; a front portion comprising two overlapped abdominal apron members of trapezium shape having transverse bottom edge portions that are secured together and having substantially upright outer side edge portions adapted when worn to terminate substantially at the waistline of the wearer and having inwardly and upwardly extending top edge portions that are shorter than the bottom edge portions and having inner edge portions adapted when worn to extend diagonally across the abdomen of the wearer from the top edge portions to the bottom edge portions; and shoulder straps connected between said back members and the innermost 'upper corners of said two front apron members and adapted when worn to extend from said back pieces over the shoulders and downwardly in converging relation between the breasts of the wearer.

- 4. In a garter waist, a back portion; spaced apart stocking supporting members connected with the lower part of said back portion; shoulder straps connected with said back portion and adapted when worn to extend upwardly and over the shoulders of the wearer, thence downwardly in converging relation between the breasts of the wearer, thence crossing, and thence to the abdomen, said stocking supporting members, said back portion and said shoulder straps supporting each stocking at the back of the wearer from the shoulder strap on the same side of the wearer; Woven fabric abdominal apron means connected at central upper spaced apart portions thereof to and supported by said shoulder straps; and spaced apart stocking supporting members connected with the said apron means at the outer bottom edge portions thereof and adapted when worn to extend substantially directly to the stocking of the wearer, said converging and crossing shoulder straps, said apron means, and said last mentioned stocking supporting members supporting each stocking at the front of the wearer from the shoulder strap on the opposite side of the wearer, whereby each stocking of a wearer may be supported at the front from the shoulder on the opposite side and at the back from the 15 shoulder on the adjacent side of the wearer.

I'HORA GRONVOLD POTTER. GUNHILD S. FLATEN. 

